Groups are a great place for creating communities around specific audiences such as alumni. Here are some tips for ensuring your institution's Groups are the best they can be. How to Run an Active and Valuable LinkedIn Group One-Time Only Actions 1. Assign a Group owner. A member of your staff should have primary responsibility for posting content, approving members, and keeping your Group active. “We’ll all contribute when we have time” is a recipe for inaction. 2. Determine membership criteria. Will your Group include only alumni? Current students? Will you allow recruiters? Prospectives? What about those helicopter parents? Your decision – but be clear on the members the Group serves so you can ensure appropriate content. 3. Post some ground rules. In your “Manage” settings, add “Group Rules” for members to see. Stick to clear and simple policies, such as “Do not post commercial advertisements.” Also post a policy for handling rule-breakers, such as “Repeated violators will be removed from this Group.” 4. Welcome every new member. Another manager option is a template message sent to all new members. Customize this with a friendly welcome and short description of your Group’s goals. You can summarize your Group rules in this communication as well. 5. Promote your Group everywhere. In addition to engaging existing members, market consistently to potential new members. Include a link to your Group in your email signature, your department’s promotional materials and your other social networks.